San Francisco Golden Gate Hiking & Cycling Adventure – Lodge Based

Trip Length3 Days
Group Size4-8
Activity level
Starting from
$1,999for REI Members
$2,199 for non-members
DeparturesMay 2025-Oct 2025

If you’ve visited San Francisco before, you may think you’ve seen it all—until you venture beyond the urban landscape to discover the incredible natural beauty that surrounds the city. This unforgettable three-day adventure showcases the best of San Francisco’s Bay area’s natural wonders, leaving you in awe of how much beauty lies just beyond, and sometimes in, the city. Whether you're crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, standing atop Angel Island, or hiking along windswept coastal trails, this experience offers a true escape into nature while still capturing the spirit and charm of San Francisco.

Blending the excitement of outdoor exploration with the relaxed comfort of staying in the heart of the city by the bay, we start with a hike along the wild, windswept coast from Muir Beach to Pirate’s Cove. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a remote world, despite being just minutes from the city. Day two takes you to Angel Island, the hidden gem of the San Francisco Bay, where panoramic views of the entire Bay Area await, along with a fascinating look at California’s history at the Immigration Station and then the iconic vistas of Lands End. Finally, you’ll cap off your adventure with an exhilarating e-bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, an urban adventure on every intrepid traveler’s bucket list. Then on to exploring the rugged coastlines of Marin County before enjoying a scenic ferry ride back to San Francisco.

Each day offers a new way to engage with the natural beauty that makes the bay area so special, all while enjoying delicious meals and comfortable accommodations in the heart of San Francisco. With experienced guides leading the way, you’ll discover that the most iconic experiences are often found where the city meets the ocean. Whether you’ve been to the Bay Area before or are seeing it for the first time, this trip will leave you with a deeper appreciation for its rich history and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone seeking to experience the San Francisco Bay Area in a whole new way, this trip immerses you in the stunning landscapes hidden in plain sight.

A Golden Bridge arising from the sea of fog at dawn, a serene moment above the clouds on one of the winding trails in the Marin headlands.

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning hikes along the Pacific Coast with spectacular beach and ocean views
  • A ferry ride to Angel Island for a day of hiking and historical exploration
  • E-bike adventure across the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Unique perspectives of the Bay Area
  • Expert local guides to facilitate and enhance your experience

Activities

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Great for newcomers to active travel, but participants should have experience hiking and cycling. Hikes range from 1-6 miles with cumulative elevation gains/losses of up to 1,650'. You should be comfortable navigating some challenging terrain while hiking, such as loose rocks, and roots. Some trails have limited shade.

Cycling is on E-Bikes, but cycling effort and skill is still required. All cycling is on paved roads but there can still be rough pavement and traffic.

Keep all these conditions in mind when training for this adventure. Our guides will brief participants on the details of each hike or ride prior to setting out.

  • Cycling
  • Hiking

What's Included

Two nights hotel accommodations; All meals as noted in the daily itinerary; Professional Guide; All vehicle transfers as noted in the daily itinerary; All park entry & permit fees; E-Bike rental

Accommodations

Hotel, 2 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for San Francisco Golden Gate Hiking & Cycling Adventure – Lodge Based
Day 1

Cross The Golden Gate Bridge and Enjoy A Scenic Hike Along The Muir Beach Coastline

Welcome to San Francisco! Where the wild beauty of California meets the iconic landmarks of the San Francisco Bay. After a warm introduction to your group, we’ll escape the city’s bustle and venture just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach, a serene coastal enclave nestled in Marin County. From here, we’ll embark on a scenic hike to Pirate’s Cove—a hidden treasure framed by dramatic cliffs and the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you'll experience stunning views of the coast that seem to stretch on forever.The peaceful sound of the waves and the salty ocean air create the perfect start to your adventure. After taking in the beauty of Pirate’s Cove, we’ll return to Muir Beach and head to your charming hotel in San Francisco, where a delicious California inspired welcome dinner awaits. Dinner included.

Hiking: up to 4 miles; Elevation gain: 1,050’ of cumulative elevation gain/loss
Transfer time: 1.5 hrs

Day 2

Ferry To Angel Island to Enjoy A Journey Through History And Scenic Splendor

Prepare for a day filled with exploration and discovery as we board a morning ferry to Angel Island, often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West.” As we cruise across the bay, the San Francisco skyline and the rolling peaks of Marin County provide a stunning backdrop. Once on the island, we’ll begin our ascent to Mount Livermore, the island’s highest point. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay Area, where the blue waters of the bay meet the urban marvels of the city, the peaks of Mount Tamalpais and the golden hills of Marin.

After a picnic lunch surrounded by these sweeping vistas, we’ll descend to explore the Angel Island Immigration Station, where you’ll learn about the rich and poignant history of the island, once a processing location for thousands of immigrants. The juxtaposition of nature’s beauty and history’s depth makes this day especially meaningful.

In the afternoon, we ferry back to San Francisco for a stroll along the trails of Lands End. The trail will take us to views of the historic Sutro Baths and then to Point Lobos, where the poetry of the ocean waves meets the prose of the city. From here, sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge rise in the distance, creating the perfect photo opportunity.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll transfer back to the hotel for another delectable dinner and some well-earned relaxation. All meals included.

Hiking: 4.6 to 5.5-miles; Elevation gain: up to 1,650’ of cumulative gain
Transfer time: 1 hr

Day 3

E-Bike Across the World-Famous Golden Gate Bridge – Ride To Rodeo Beach And Sausalito

Today is an unforgettable ride, blending iconic landmarks with hidden gems of the Bay Area. After breakfast, we’ll gear up and hop on e-bikes for an exhilarating ride past Crissy Field, then beneath towering trees and along scenic overlooks as we ride through the Presidio, a historic park offering some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Anticipation builds as we ride toward the bridge… and the moment you begin to cross this world-famous span, the experience is simply mesmerizing. The beauty of the bridge & bay unfolds before you as the ocean breeze energizes the ride.

Once we cross the bridge, we’ll continue to Rodeo Beach, a scenic stretch of sand backed by rugged cliffs, a perfect place for a refreshing break and photo opportunities. On our way back, we’ll stop at several stunning overlooks offering incredible views of the bridge and the city skyline, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

The adventure doesn’t end there! We’ll ride to the charming town of Sausalito, where quaint shops and cafes line the waterfront. After some time to explore, we’ll catch a relaxing ferry back to San Francisco, gliding past Alcatraz Island as you reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the last three days.

The trip concludes this afternoon, but the memories of your Golden Gate Experience will stay with you a lifetime. Breakfast & lunch included.

E-Cycling: 15-17 miles; Elevation gain: up to 1,900’Transfer time: minimal

Itinerary map for San Francisco Golden Gate Hiking & Cycling Adventure – Lodge Based

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.